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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Dec 10th, 2014–Dec 11th, 2014
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable
Below Treeline
4: High
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be high
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable
Below Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be considerable
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: Little Yoho.

Heavy rain at low elevations in Yoho Park today resulted in wet avalanches below treeline. Areas like the Emerald Lake Slide path have not slid yet, and travel in large avalanche terrain is not recommended until the temperatures cools.

Weather Forecast

Strong westerly flow continues through until the weekend when the temperatures begin to cool.  For Thursday, expect another pulse of heavy rain at low elevations in the Little Yoho region, with freezing levels reaching approximately 2000 m.

Snowpack Summary

Although these warm daytime temperatures are promoting overall snowpack settlement, the lower half of the snowpack remains poorly structured, with a weak based comprised entirely of facets and depth hoar. This problem is most pronounced in rocky, windswept terrain at treeline and higher where human triggering of full depth avalanches is possible.

Avalanche Summary

Widespread avalanche activity was observed at low elevations today in Yoho Park.  Mostly in the ice climbs near Field.

Confidence

Timing of incoming weather systems is uncertain on Friday

Avalanche Problems

Loose Wet

The low elevation snowpack has lost all strength as a result of the warm temperatures and rain. Ice climbers in particular should be wary of steep gullies at and below treeline.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 3

Deep Persistent Slabs

Snowpack tests continue to show collapse at several levels of weak facets near the base of the snowpack. Avoid large slopes during this warm spell; wait for future cooling when the snowpack will stabilize and conditions will improve.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 2 - 3